The third draft of Zimbabwe's Diamond Act legislation will be presented to parliament next month, the Daily News reports.

The Diamond Act – which if passed would replace the country's Precious Stones Trade Amendment Bill – seeks to establish a framework to combat diamond smuggling and set up a state diamond commission with a mandate to ensure transparency in the transportation, marketing, and storage of Zimbabwe's rough diamonds. The diamond commissioner would also be responsible for all aspects of international certification.

According to Deputy Mines and Mining Development Minister Gift Chimanikire, the Diamond Act also includes clauses regulating diamond exploration and defining the mandate of security forces in the diamond producing area.

Diamond industry activists and human rights groups claim that currently the military has complete control over access to Zimbabwe's diamond fields, and anyone – including government officials and geologists – seeking to enter the area must apply for a permit. The reports have not been officially confirmed.

In addition, the proposed legislation aims to empower the local population by founding and encouraging artisanal diamond mining operations.